Circle-of-Friends Scarf

Well, it has happened again! I've been asked to create another Circle-Of-Friends scarf. I'm always surprised at how meaningful this process is for me each time I design a new scarf.

I thought today might be a good time to describe how my Circle-of-Friends scarves began.

Inspiration

At a time in my life when I needed it most, I was invited to participate in a women’s group. We danced, played, and shared meaningful passages. We spoke of passions, deepest longings and pain. At the conclusion of each gathering, a circle was formed and anyone who wished, would enter. A simple silk scarf was placed on their shoulders as we slowly encircled our friend sending out our silent prayers and wishes.

Later, when my sister-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer, many of our female relatives were scattered around the country. Feeling helpless, and from a desire to demonstrate our shared support, we gathered the messages we would give if we could be there with her. I incorporated the messages into the design of a silk scarf to encircle her as if we were there in person to show our love. The Circle-of- Friends scarf was born.

Intention

With each scarf, my intention is that the recipient find comfort and deep meaning as they face their journey of healing. And the giver, whether from one person or a group -- may they know they have literally surrounded this person with their love.

After receiving multiple requests for these scarves, I'm considering offering these scarves as a part of my product line on my website.

This "live in the moment" scarf will be donated to a silent auction for Longmont (Colorado) Hospital's Health Center for Integrated Therapies breast health campaign called "Be your Breast Friend". The auction will raise funds to further the campaign and potentially launch a nationwide effort to prevent breast cancer.

My daughter, Brooke, is currently doing her internship at this Center and I am thrilled to be one of the contributors to this worthy cause. I feel certain this scarf will find its way to the right person.

A New Season Begins . . .

Today is the first day of fall. The air is crisp,the mornings are cool and I am re-energized and ready for this new season. The only down-side is that the days are shorter, and I need more hours in my day. New ideas seem to be coming at me from everywhere. What to do. . . what to do!!! Where are the weaving fairies when you need them?

On the loom for a few more hours is another flaxies warp. Every warp has its own personality and this one certainly didn't disappoint. Right off the bat, a thread broke which is not a problem to fix with my little film canisters filled with rocks for weight and the end of the thread tucked securely under lid. That's the little white thing hanging off the back of the loom. But then a second thread broke and my fear was that I'd be popping threads for days.
What makes this yarn especially nice and textural is the way it's spun. It's thicker in some spots than in others. The flax part of the yarn also has little fibers that stick out and catch on other threads from time to time, so it can be a challenge to weave. But it was only cantankerous for a short time, and then it was back to business. The final fabric will be vests - I'm thinking, and I'll dye them in shades of red and black.

This Week In My Studio

In spite of a short week, I did accomplish a few things. I sewed the button on this poor purple jacket which had been waiting in the corner since before my move. Now it can find it's new home.

I draped a spot in my back room with fabric and set up lights in an attempt to get good photographs of my pieces for my new website. Alas, my photography skills are lacking. But until I make the big bucks, these will have to do!

I shipped off items so they are no longer hiding in my little studio where I seldom have visitors, much less customers. Although, I was pleasantly surpised to have a couple stop in from Atlanta yesterday. With I-40 on the south side of town, people usually just keep on driving. And even historic Route 66 is quite a few blocks from my studio. So it's indeed a pleasure to have out-of-towners find my little hide-away!

I also finished a few sewing projects that were underway. My newest invention, pictured on the right, is the next installment of the scrappy jacket. It comes to the knees and has deep side vents allowing the fabric to drape and move no matter what size you are. I love this one a lot. But then, isn't that why I make all these things? If I don't think they're great, they usually get made into something else.

And that sunlight shining in my studio is especially nice on these cooler mornings. That pretty much wraps up my week - ahhhh and now the weekend - enjoy all!

Jan Jackets

In an earlier post, I wrote about one of my newest chenille garments inspired by my idea person, Jan - thus the name Jan Jacket or JJ.

Plans are underway to have my new website up very soon with photos of all my styles. But in the meantime, here is one of my newest JJs in a mossy/ khaki green. I really like the subtle horizontal stripe across the back.

And for those of us who find our neck and shoulders sometimes just need a little extra warmth, this piece is perfect. It's just the right weight to feel like a soft hug of fabric laying across the shoulders. It's quite flattering to the bustline as well. This piece can go either casual or dressy as a wrap over a sleeveless dress. And as with all the chenille fabric - it's just yummy!